Residents at Doolittle Home enjoying playing Bingo. The rousing game of bingo that Americans love has a long and rich history. Bingo originated in the early 1500s. The roots of the game can be traced to an Italian lottery, Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’ Italia. Interestingly, the Italian version of bingo is still played every weekend in certain parts of the country. In the late 1700s wealthy French aristocrats played a game called, Le Lotto, which shares many features with the Italian and American version of the game, bingo. German children also played a version of bingo. Yet, they used the game as an educational tool.
Bingo, once called Beano, finally reached Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1900s. The game was found primarily at fairs and carnivals, providing a jovial activity for children and families to play while they were enjoying the festivities. Edwin Lower, a toy salesman from New York, overheard someone yell the word, “Bingo!” instead of “Beano!”. The name stuck and Lower became committed to promoting the game. He and a math professor collaborated and created thousands of bingo cards with unique combinations.
Bingo is now commonly played at churches, community centers, and schools to raise money. The idea of using bingo as a way to increase recreational funds also began in the early 1900s. Catholic churches relied on funds accrued from bingo to build savings. Aside from fundraising efforts, bingo has also been used as a way for community members to bond. Bingo is a carefree, high-energy game that keeps people on their toes. Many Americans love playing Bingo with friends and family. The game can be played with hundreds of people in a large auditorium. Or, it can be played at a kitchen table with a small family.
Doolittle Home provide residents with community interaction and involvement. The activities program also fully encourages and supports family involvement and volunteers. If you are interested in finding out how to volunteer at Doolittle Home Click here